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From Booklist:
From the outside, Jon and Ginny’s marriage is solid. But Jon must make a decision: should he end his affair or his marriage? He never intended to cheat on his wife; the affair just happened. The attention from a young, beautiful woman and Ginny’s apprehension about starting a family made the affair so easy. What he doesn’t realize is that Ginny is getting closer to realizing the truth. The long work hours and his strange attachment to his computer are making her suspicious. Over the course of one day, Schwarz follows Jon and Ginny, expertly describing the complexity of their marriage, revealing the thought process behind Jon’s adultery, and exploring the way in which Ginny rationalizes Jon’s behavior. It is an honest and balanced portrayal of a marriage in trouble. However, Oprah author Schwarz muddies their story with a flashback sequence about their parents that ultimately has no bearing on Jon and Ginny’s relationship. Read and recommend this for Schwarz’s skill in deciphering relationships, and overlook the flashback cliché. --Carolyn Kubisz
My Thoughts: I have to wholeheartedly agree with the Booklist review. I wanted to like this story, but it was so difficult to follow. The story jumps back and forth between present day and 1963. It was hard for me to keep the characters straight. What was happening in Jon and Ginny's relationship was heartbreaking. I viewed Ginny as a somewhat fragile person and felt sorry for her. I despised Freddi, the woman Jon was having an affair with...not only because of the obvious, but because of her personality. Jon just pissed me off...he came across as a wishey washey wuss...who I felt pitied his wife....but lusted after Freddi. So...in conclusion....I did not like this book at all. Some of you may feel differently when you read it. I will not, however, let this book keep me from reading Drowning Ruth, which I have not had a chance to read. I did enjoy the style of Christina Schwarz's writing.
TWO STARS
- Paperback: 272 pages
- Publisher: Anchor; Reprint edition (July 14, 2009)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0307275493
6 comments:
This is a great honest review Missy and I so appreciate that. Initially it sounds like a very interesting but sad story and one I would like to read. But when you describe the way it's written, i don't think I want to struggle with that when there are so many other worthwhile books to read. I'm always disappointed when I read a book I was looking forward to and it turns out not to be that great. But I try to remember that such an experience makes me like and appreciate the good books all the more!
I'm not sure why so many authors think the flashback technique is essential to their stories. So many of them would be better off with a straightforward story telling.
Thanks for the honest review Missy...sounds like a book that would probably upset me also. I did enjoy Drowning Ruth though.
Thanks for the thoughtful review Missy. I read mixed review on this one, so it never made it to my list.
Good review. I read this one last year and felt much the same way. I thought most of the characters were just irritating, couldn't sympathize with any of them, really. But I do think Schwarz is a pretty good writer, so I'll probably eventually give her another chance.
Thanks for the honest review! I agree with Amy- there's no point struggling through a book when there are so many fantastic ones out there!
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